Manchester United Premier League fixtures: first derby set for mid-September!

Fans of rivals clubs used to complain annually that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were always handed an easy opening fixture – typically at home – but Moyes’ side will travel to Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium before taking on Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Victory for either Chelsea or United would deal the loser a potentially big psychological blow in the race for early Premier League supremacy.

To make things potentially even worse for Moyes, United will travel to Liverpool in their third match of the season and, after a home game against Crystal Palace, make the short trip across Manchester to play rivals City on 21 September.

The return leg against Manuel Pellegrini’s side at Old Trafford will be on 1 March but United’s run-in at least looks pleasant, with matches against Norwich, Sunderland and Southampton finishing the season.